President Gorbachev
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are leaving London, we are leaving Britain, with a feeling of satisfaction, I would say a feeling of great satisfaction.
We have been able, during this short time, to do some very useful work together. With Mrs Thatcher we have been able to expand our dialogue and I would say that our dialogue has covered all problems of our bilateral relations and of European and global politics.
But that is not all. We have been able to discuss all problems in a very constructive atmosphere. And so I feel that I can conclude that this visit and these talks have elevated our relations to a new level. I am sure that there will be a continuation and that we shall be able to make a joint contribution in improving the world situation and in solving problems in such areas as disarmament, the political settlement of conflicts and I [end p1] feel that we have been able to bring additional impetus to the expansion of Soviet-British cooperation in the spheres of the economy and culture. We have been able to create better conditions for expanding our exchanges.
I feel that it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Soviet-British dialogue today is a very important positive factor. We shall continue our exchanges, our dialogue.
Let me in conclusion report to you that on behalf of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet I have invited Her Majesty The Queen to visit our country at a convenient time. We will be looking forward to her visit.
We have also agreed with Mrs Thatcher that there will be more meetings between us, that there will be another meeting between us to continue the discussion of problems of interest. Our people will give hospitality and attention to the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
I, and all of those who came with me to Britain, have been very much impressed by the atmosphere of this visit. For that I would like very much to thank the Government of Britain and Mrs Thatcher, but in particular I would like to thank the many British people who have been so warm.
I take this opportunity, on behalf of myself and on behalf of the Soviet people, to tell the British people of our feelings, of our sympathy. The citizens of Britain can be sure that we are ready to further expand our cooperation and to draw our nations even closer together. Thank you. [end p2]
Prime Minister
Mr and Mrs Gorbachev, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It has been a real pleasure and a great privilege for us to have as our honoured guests, Mr and Mrs Gorbachev, in this country. We heard a wonderful and remarkable speech from him in the Guildhall this morning, one which we shall always remember. And wherever they have been, the warmth and friendliness of Mr and Mrs Gorbachev has made a great impression on our people.
The talks and meetings we had have been conducted in an exceptionally friendly and warm atmosphere and an atmosphere of great understanding. They have come at a time when there is a new international understanding and cooperation and we feel that this visit will take that forward further.
In saying goodbye to our honoured guests, we would like to send a message of great friendship to the people of the Soviet Union. We hope we shall see more of one another in the future and to Mr and Mrs Gorbachev we say: Thank you for a wonderful visit and haste ye back.